Characteristics: Would Merlot by any other name sound as sweet? No, not really. The Californian vernacular offers all sorts of variations so it’s especially important to mind each Merlot’s provenance. For example, the Merlots from Alexander Valley, Carneros and Dry Creek Valley speak a parlance of plums, ripe cherries, juicy currants and high toned tea leaves while the Merlots out of Napa Valley, from such climes as Carneros, Mount Veeder, Oakville and Rutherford, are more likely to express ripe, dark berried fruit such as framboise and blackberries. All capture the interest and your senses despite the invective script of Sideways that really drug Merlot through the mud. On the bright side: Merlot has never tasted so wonderful for we who love this Bordelais beauty –for only the strong survive!

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Characteristics: Smoky berries and red cherries make this thirst slaking glass of Pinot Noir an immediate charmer. Medium bodied and smooth with juicy structure and a faint brambly quality that rounds this out. Immediate appeal carries us through to the finish. Simply a tasty glass of wine!
Wine review by Nicholas D. Livingston, December 2011

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Characteristics: Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel at 14.9%
This has a dark edge for a wine titled “Redemption” with a dense core of blackberry fruit and an amped up black pepper spice to accompany lamb or smoked ribs. Full on the finish this is juicy, savory, spicy, and an absolute joy to drink as it goes down so easily.
Wine review by Nicholas Livingston, August 2012

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Characteristics: Grilled meat and smokey aromas. This wine has beautiful balance between acids and tannins and is exceptionally structured and focused. Juicy red plums, black cherries and black pepper flavors.